After graduating a senior class that had dominated the SUNYAC in 2021 with a 6-0 mark, rolled to a 17-3 record, the SUNYAC title and the second round of the NCAA DIII tournament, State University of New York at New Paltz coach Shanna Szablinski faced the difficult task last season of integrating nine first year and six second year players into the kind of squad the Hawks are respected for. Gaining experience with each outing, SUNY New Paltz finished 2022 with a 10-7 record, 3-3 in SUNYAC and their 12th straight appearance in the SUNYAC tournament, falling in the semifinal round against top seed SUNY Geneseo.

"Since a lot of us were there for that, it's definitely driving us to do much better this season, but also just being more present and in the moment," said Hawks senior captain Hannah Ackerman. "In that round we weren't even expecting to play Geneseo. We thought we were going to have the higher seed and work our way up, but we ended up playing them first and getting out right there so we're definitely using that to drive us and just taking every game one-by-one, every practice minute-by-minute and just try to be in the moment, and just get as far as we can."

Working through the graduation of All-American forward Natasia Plunkett, All-Region midfielder Shannon Bernhardt and top defender Julia Cummings will be the early challenges for the 2023 Hawks. With 15 players returning, SUNY New Paltz looks to have the nucleus of another winning team.
 

Topping the list are three experienced seniors who all have the potential for breakout seasons. Ackerman (Nesconset, NY/Smithtown East HS), a two-time All-Region selection, scored five goals and added a team high 10 assists a year ago as an offensive force at midfield. Joining her are midfielder Morgan Woolley (Blue Point, NY/Bayport-Blue Point HS) and back Sam Moran (Manorville, NY/Eastport-South Manor HS). Woolley was an All-SUNYAC Tournament pick in 2022 and Moran led the team with five defensive saves.

The junior class is represented by forward Amanda Quenneville (Centerport, NY/Harborfields HS) who netted four goals, including two game winners, along with five assists. Anchoring the defense that had a 1.71-goals-against-average a year ago is Emily McGovern (Yorktown Heights, NY/Lakeland HS), who started all 17 games. Emily Brown (East Setauket, NY/Ward Melville HS) provides depth at either midfield or defense, while Danielle Walsh (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook HS) provides an offensive option as she returns from a season ending injury in 2022.
"After the three graduating seniors left last season, I think the returners did a really good job stepping up into new roles and new positions," Woolley said. "We did have to fill all three positions in the starting lineup. I think it definitely was a younger team last year compared to the year before, but I think having mostly the same group back it really helping us this season preparing for the games coming up."

With a solid collegiate season of experience behind them, eight sophomores form the core of the Hawks. Miranda Britton (Sayville, NY/Sayville HS) is the top returning goal scorer with seven, including one game winner, with two assists. Captain Rachel Tama (Hopewell Junction, NY/John Jay-Hopewell Junction HS) added five goals and two assists a year ago, while Angelina Regels (Scotia, NY/Scotia-Glenville HS) and Ayden Fleming (St. James, NY/Smithtown East HS) each scored a goal in their inaugural season. On defense, backs Madeline Meyer (Halfmoon, NY/Shenendehowa HS), Madelyn Graves (Penfield, NY/Penfield HS), and Meghan Gunning (Port Jefferson Station, NH/Comsewogue HS) each contributed to the stalwart SUNY New Paltz defense. Goalie Gail Comiskey (Patchogue, NY/Patchogue-Medford HS) saw action in seven games, allowing four goals and will take over starting duties ahead of her sophomore campaign.
 
Six first year players look to make their mark in 2023. Defender Lil Schaub (Mamaroneck, NY/Rye Neck HS) earned All-League honors three consecutive years for the Panthers. Midfielder Katie Singleton (Smithtown/Smithtown West HS) scored 44 goals with 16 assists. Midfielder Maya O'Keefe (Mahopac/Mahopac HS) earned All-Section I honorable mention honors, while teammate Madison Orsini (Mahopac/Mahopac HS) was named First Team All-Region at goalie and back Gabby Barth (Commack/Commack HS) was a mainstay of the Cougar defense.
 
"We definitely have a lot of opportunities and a chance to do that," Ackerman said. "We have a lot of young girls and five new freshmen who are willing to work and have already shown that they value a lot of the same things, so we're just ready to view everything as a challenge and when things get hard not to hold our heads down, just keep moving forward."  
Once again, Szablinski has put together a demanding schedule to prepare the Hawks for the run to the SUNYAC title. The early season sees the team face six non-conference foes from the Liberty League, Empire 8 Conference and NJAC, including nationally ranked University of Rochester. Interspersed between SUNYAC matches are games against nationally ranked Kean University, from the NJAC, and regionally ranked Ithaca College and Vassar College.
However, SUNY New Paltz will kick off its season at home, hosting a four-team tournament Friday and Saturday on North Turf Field. The Hawks are set to face St. Lawrence University Friday at 1 p.m. and Utica Saturday at 4 p.m.

Hawks Field Hockey Season Preview Featuring Morgan Woolley & Hannah Ackerman


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